To the Editor, First off, AR-15 style firearms are more appropriately termed “modern sporting rifles” used by hunters. Next, modern sporting rifles are not assault weapons. An assault weapon is an automatic military arm used in battle. Automatic firearms have been severely restricted since 1934. Next, MSRs function like other semi-automatic sporting firearms by firing … [Read more...]
The process of selectivity
By Donna Buckbee Rushford, MN First of all, I wish to thank Pastor Bobbie Horning for taking a stand against violence against gays and lesbians. I’m grateful, too, for similar assurances from my Christian friends. Non-violence is one of the many things I respect and love about the Biblical Jesus. There were other Biblical teachings embedded in my letter of December 2017, … [Read more...]
The faith of the atheist faithful
Why do certain atheists continually proselytize their faith? One would think that they would be more timid about expounding on their beliefs and would be cautious in insisting that there is no Creator, no God. Some seem really angry and full of hate for God and his followers. Why do atheists use their faith to try destroy mine? With their contempt and vitriol, what are … [Read more...]
Christianity 101…no misconceptions here
By Flip Huggenvik Big Spring, MN Herb Panko’s comments on my rebuttal to his original commentary piece are interesting. And he does make some good points on contradictions and the literal interpretation of the Bible. I am a Gentile...a non-Jew. The Bible was basically written by the Jews, about the Jews, and for the Jews. (With the exception of Paul’s letters to some of the … [Read more...]
The dangers of debt
Politicians and commentators these days like to point to an array of threats to our constitutional system. There’s one, though, that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it should: our national debt. We may not yet be in imminent danger of fiscal collapse, but we’re moving into uncharted waters. We are among the most indebted nations in the world, and it’s only getting … [Read more...]
Consequences of reading the Bible as literal history
In a reader’s response to my article several weeks ago entitled “New Testament misconceptions and fallacies,” he makes the mistake that is typical of those who read the Bible literally. Without a substantial knowledge of Christian history and scholarship, one becomes trapped in a literal box filled with the many scriptural contradictions, mistranslations, misinterpretations, … [Read more...]
Good old fashioned morals and common sense
By Pastor Bobbie Horning Ostrander, MN I am writing to oppose, in love, of course, a commentary written last year titled “Give me that old time secularism.” (Fillmore County Journal, December 4, 2017) The article bashed God, Christians and the Bible. How awful and sad and untrue the things that were stated. First of all, the really real Christians are never violent towards … [Read more...]
More ramblings from the “Old Soldier”
By Ron Scheevel Preston, MN As I’ve had a chance to travel a bit this winter, I’ve made a few observations about the way we live in our modern society. This is mostly a commentary on our use of electric devices that have evolved over my lifetime. First, let me explain that I am totally inept at the use of almost all new technology. The exception to this may be the electric … [Read more...]
Letter about Mabel EDA/City Council clarification…
To the Editor, Mabel city officials recently learned of concerns regarding the construction financing of a city-owned incubator building. The Economic Development Association (EDA) and city council want to provide clarification. Interim financing for the approved $450,000 incubator building, which the city will lease to a private daycare provider, has been secured for up … [Read more...]
Your appendix: Friend or foe?
I drew the unlucky straw recently of having appendicitis. There are few things in this world that are more uncomfortable than the pressure, bloating, nausea, and vomiting related to this condition. It landed me in the ER one night and the next morning I was ready for an appendectomy (surgery to remove the appendix). It went by in a blur. It went great! However, to my dismay in … [Read more...]